Can India Continue Their Dominance After Thrashing Mongolia 13-0 in Women's Asia Cup Qualifier?
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Synopsis
India's opening match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers showcased their strength as they overwhelmed Mongolia with a 13-0 victory. With standout performances, especially from Pyari Xaxa, the Blue Tigresses set a new record. Can they maintain this momentum as the tournament progresses?
Key Takeaways
- India's historic 13-0 victory sets a new record.
- Pyari Xaxa's five goals demonstrate her exceptional talent.
- The team showed great teamwork and coordination throughout the match.
- India's women's football team is gaining international recognition.
- Expectations are high for their future matches in the qualifiers.
Chiang Mai, June 23 (NationPress) In an impressive start to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, India dominated Mongolia with a staggering 13-0 victory at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Monday. The Blue Tigresses were already ahead 4-0 by halftime, but they surged ahead even further in the second half.
This marks India’s largest victory in the history of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, surpassing their previous records of 10-0 against Guam in both 1997 and 2005.
Pyari Xaxa had a standout performance, scoring five goals during the match (29’, 45’, 46’, 52’, 55’). Soumya Guguloth (20’, 59’) and Priyadharshini Selladurai (73’, 86’) each contributed two goals, while Sangita Basfore (8’), Rimpa Haldar (67’), Malavika (71’), and Grace Dangmei (75’ p) rounded out the scoring with one goal each.
India asserted their dominance early, with Basfore scoring first by heading in a cross from Soumya. This was followed by Soumya’s powerful volley off a Rimpa cross that hit the post and went in.
Pyari struck twice more before halftime, netting one goal from a cut-back by Soumya, and then sending a powerful long-range shot into the top corner.
In the second half, the Blue Tigresses were even quicker off the mark. Pyari completed her hat-trick with a volley from a Grace cross.
She scored two additional goals within minutes, bringing her total to five by the 55th minute.
After Soumya capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake to score India's eighth goal, coach Crispin Chettri made several substitutions, bringing on Purnima Kumari, Priyadharshini, and Malavika. Late in the match, Ranjana Chanu and goalkeeper Monalisha Devi also got a chance to play.
Goals from Rimpa, Malavika, and Priyadharshini followed in quick succession, pushing India past double digits. A penalty from Grace Dangmei brought the score to 12. In the final moments, Priyadharshini scored her second and India's thirteenth goal, concluding a historic win for the Blue Tigresses.
Point of View
I stand in awe of the Blue Tigresses' remarkable performance. Their 13-0 victory not only reflects their skill but also raises expectations for future matches. India's women's football team is now poised to make a significant impact on the international stage, and we continue to support their journey wholeheartedly.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the match between India and Mongolia?
India won the match against Mongolia with a score of 13-0.
Who scored the most goals in the match?
Pyari Xaxa scored the most goals in the match, netting five goals.
Where was the match held?
The match took place at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium in Chiang Mai.
What record did India's victory set?
India's 13-0 victory is the largest win in the history of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
Who were the other goal scorers in the match?
Soumya Guguloth and Priyadharshini Selladurai each scored two goals, while Sangita Basfore, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika, and Grace Dangmei scored one each.
